A shallow channel divides the design into wet and dry zones, shaping how water moves and how the planting responds. Moisture loving plants fill the basin, while tougher, drought tolerant species line the banks. Bronze botanical castings by Yunus & Eliza catch and hold rainwater, adding detail and texture. The garden demonstrates how practical water management can double as high design, creating a space that feels immersive, resilient and finely crafted.

The design blends Tomas Olesen’s background in furniture and exhibition design with his horticultural training. Inspired by the “material truth” philosophy of his mentor Peter Marigold, Tomas treats the border as a constructed volume shaped by water flow, structure and texture.

The work of sculptors Yunus & Eliza, specifically their intricate botanical casts, drives the dialogue between permanent bronze elements and ephemeral, seasonal planting. The garden invites visitors to view drainage not as something to hide but as a central, expressive feature. It is proof that climate resilient design can be practical, sculptural and beautiful all at once.

The planting creates a “jewelled meadow” effect, driven by strong structure, deep colour and layered texture. The palette relies on deep tones. Velvety iris purples, crimson Cirsium, pure white ranunculus highlights and warm apricot geums reflect the copper in the birch bark and bronze art.

Key Planting:

• Betula nigra – the central, multi-stem tree linking the living garden to the bronze bark casts
• Iris sibirica – strong verticals and rich colour echoing the sharp lines of the sculptures
• Thalictrum filamentosum – airy white flowers that float above the planting like mist
• Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ – dark foliage creating contrast and depth
• Melica uniflora – fresh, bright green texture that softens the darker planting

Sustainability is embedded in the build:

• Cut and fill: soil from the swale is repurposed to build up planting mounds, reducing transport, waste and carbon footprint
• No concrete: structure is created using reclaimed rock and soft engineering
• Water management: the swale acts as a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) that encourages water to slow down, filter naturally and reduce runoff
• Reclamation: materials include damp-proof membrane off-cuts and reused rocks
• Future Life: after the show all plants will be reused in future projects and sculptures return to the artists’ studio

Tomas Olesen is a spatial and furniture designer turned garden designer, bringing over a decade of experience in fabrication, installation and material led design. He has worked internationally, creating technical installations for artists such as Louis Masai and INSA, and designing immersive environments for the Saatchi Gallery and Moniker Art Fair. His practice also includes socially engaged work, such as a V&A mentoring project helping newly housed people create furniture from reclaimed materials.

Tomas brings this blend of craft, structure and narrative to garden design. Applying the technical rigour of his own bonsai practice, he treats each border like a three-dimensional artwork, using structural pruning and precise placement to create atmosphere, integrity and “instant age.”